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Master Barber Sergio Portela Jr. believes indulgence and relaxation to be the foundation of the barbershop experience. However, he felt little touches such as hot-towel shaves, razor edge-ups, and facial-hair sculpting had gone by the wayside. So in 2012, he opened his own barbershop to revitalize the art with those grooming services, utilizing Art of Shaving products as well as essential oils. Like a Grecian bust wearing a beanie, his repertoire combines traditional touches with modern styling and includes color enhancements as well as tapers, fades, and even cuts. Sergio makes himself available for in-home or at-the-office appointments.

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Meghan Doyle has been styling hair in San Francisco for four years—or 16 consecutive seasons. She’s no stranger to the challenges of the warmer months, when the heat and the fog team up to stress out your tresses. So, with August fast approaching, we visited Salon V (1609 Vallejo St.) and asked her how to maintain happy, healthy summer hair.
GROUPON: When the days get longer and the nights shorter, how can we keep our tips top-notch?
MEGHAN DOYLE: Instead of getting a full haircut every six to eight weeks, in the summer opt for a professional deep condition, blow-dry, and “dusting” of the ends with scissors every three to four weeks. You'll get the extra moisture from the treatment, and keep your ends looking constantly fresh without losing length. At home, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner in these warm, sunny months. I love and use Pureology’s hydrating formula in the salon—it’s also sulfate-free.
GROUPON: Summer means lots of sunshine, but too much sun can cause hair color to fade. What do you recommend to preserve a do’s hue?
MD: During your first color service of the summer, add on a color sealing treatment. It’s going to make those dollars you just spent on that perfect summer shade go a long way. Keep the moisture intact with quality hydrating products and keep your head covered with a hat, scarf, or turban when you are in direct sunlight for long periods of time. (Think: pool, river, beach, festivals, parks, etc.)
At your “end of the summer” color service, splurge again and add on a clarifying prep treatment before your color. It will help get the summer buildup, like product and mineral deposits, out of your strands and off your scalp, preparing your hair for a bright fall color.
GROUPON: For those of us with frizz-prone hair, how can we, as you so elegantly word it, give the finger to Karl the Fog?
MD: Begin your style with a frizz-free product, then give yourself a good blowout. Use a brush, work in small sections, and keep the air flowing in the direction of the hair growth to keep the cuticle down. This creates the silky-smooth look we all want.
If hair starts to act up after being out in Karl for a while, change course and twist or braid it into a low chignon. Always keep a few pins on you just in case. And lastly, sometimes we just need to embrace the foggy hair—big is beautiful.
This interview has been condensed and edited.

As one of the least conservative cities in the world, San Francisco might seem like a place where anything goes in the style department. And while that’s true to a certain extent, a perfect haircut or day-of blowout will always be in style, and might help you score points with a significant other or at that big meeting. Here are a few of San Francisco’s hippest hair salons.
If you’re looking for a paparazzi-ready style session, single-concept Drybar in the Fillmore is the place. The highly focused salon offers neither cuts nor colors, but will perk up your ‘do in no time flat. And unlike many premier shops, Drybar charges a mere $40 for their service, regardless of hair length. And if you weren’t convinced yet, hear this: mimosas and complimentary snacks are included. Should the skies open up, they may even give you an umbrella as you walk out, to keep your new mane beautiful no matter the weather.
Glama-Rama in the Mission is, perhaps stereotypically for this city, both an art gallery and a beauty salon. Flat irons, bridal updos, full highlights and dreads – Glama-Rama handles anything you can comb at it, all in a warmly retro setting full of artwork from nearby creative types. Some art is even done by the staff themselves, proving that it’s a fine line between art and hairdressing.
Hayes Valley’s Hair Play is also a great option for any woman looking for a change. Whether it’s a dramatic difference in length or a bold new color, Hair Play’s stylists have both an eye for detail and a desire to lavish their attention on everyone’s locks.
Ladies who rock bangs know that every eighth of an inch can be crucial, and that’s where the Pretty Pretty Collective comes in. When it’s time for a bit of a snip without making a fuss over the rest of your tresses, this crew will take good care of you with precise trims, as well as a full array of salon services. Although a slightly higher price point than many others, unisex Pretty Pretty is where the Mission’s garden-variety babes go to become knockout beauties.

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